JOHNSON CITY, Tenn., (WJHL) – The East Tennessee State University branch of Turning Point USA organized a vigil to honor the legacy of Charlie Kirk, a political activist and the founder of Turning Point USA.

Kirk was killed on Sept. 10 while speaking at a university event in Utah.

The vigil featured a prayer service and reflections on Kirk’s life and mission. People also shared how Kirk’s beliefs impacted their lives.

“Charlie Kirk significantly influenced my faith,” shared ETSU student Connor Vincent. “He sparked my interest in politics, and this has been meaningful to me since I started engaging with his content on YouTube and Turning Point USA.”

The event took place at the campus’s outdoor amphitheater, featuring participation from Turning Point USA, other conservative campus groups, and the broader community.

“Being here was crucial for me,” remarked attendee Carol Moore. “It’s the least I could do considering all he’s done for us. He’s a man of bravery and belief. I will deeply miss him. It’s hard to believe this has occurred.”

ETSU student Brooklyn Wray noted that although Kirk never visited their campus, he motivated young conservatives to engage in open discussions and express their beliefs.

“I believe this emphasizes standing firm on your beliefs and demonstrating that although disagreements will occur, it’s important to agree to disagree,” she expressed. “It’s essential to show others what you believe is right and wrong.”

“I agree with his side of his morals and values like Christianity,” Wray said. “I agree with probably just about everything he said. I watched his debates, his videos, everything. And I think it was a strong movement with Turning Point and him going to college campuses.”

Vincent added that political violence cannot be tolerated on any side of the spectrum.

“There has never been a thought in my mind to harm someone based off of their views or something that I’ve disagreed with,” he said. “I think the moment you stop having these conversations is when the violence starts, and we don’t need anymore of that. There’s no place for it in this country, left or right.”

Members of Turning Point USA at ETSU were unable to comment regarding Kirk’s death at this time.